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Pot decriminalization
Source: CTV News - 12/29/03
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1072643115410_124/?hub=Specials

Prime Minister Paul Martin told CTV's Lloyd Robertson and Craig Oliver in his year-end interview that he's committed to building strong bonds with the U.S. but will make policy decisions based on what's best for Canada -- not on what won't upset our neighbours.

The annual Conversation with the Prime Minister is a 37-year Christmas tradition for CTV and Canadians. This was the first time Martin sat in the prime minister's chair and he told Oliver and Robertson that he plans to be in that same seat again next year -- and for a few years to come.

Martin said that for now, one of his top priorities is to work on warming relations with Washington.

"I think we have to be much more sophisticated in the way we approach the United States," Martin said. "I think we have a strong story to tell -- we are the largest market for 38 American states, Americans have to understand that."

But he added that though he wants to mend fences, he is not inclined to bow to U.S. pressure on all issues.

"You can defend Canada's interests, you can have differences in opinion and do it with a constructive tone," Martin said. "In fact, the sharper the differences in opinion, the more important it is to have a good relationship, so that it doesn't become personal."

War in Iraq

Martin says he recognizes that the Americans were irritated that Canada didn't take part in the invasion of Iraq and that soured relations. But he doesn't believe it means that the U.S. has turned against Canada.

"I don't think the strain ... was personal. I think it's because Canada had a different point of view. And I think Canada has to push its own points of view.

"I believe that Prime Minister Chretien made the right decision [in not going into Iraq] and I said that at the time. I believe that we need good relations with the United States, but first and foremost are Canadian interests."

Pot decriminalization

Martin says he recognizes that the Americans are also irritated with Canada's moves to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. But he says that isn't going to sway the government's plans.

"Canada will make its own decision based on its own values," Martin said.

"I really don't think a young person should have a criminal record for the rest of their lives because they get caught with a very, very tiny quantity," he said, though added, "I think there is still room for debate over what is that quantity."

As for whether he himself has ever smoked marijuana: "The answer is: I never smoked. I never smoked anything."

"But there was an earlier time, years ago, when [his wife] Sheila made some brownies and they did have a strange taste..." he joked.

Parliamentary reform

Martin said his other priority is parliamentary reform. He says he wants to see the end of the day where MPs are forced to toe the line and vote with the party so that the government can push through its own agenda, without concern for what its constituents want.

That will translate into more free votes in the House. That may mean that the government may get voted down on many of these votes, Martin conceded, and that will probably appear as chaotic to outsiders. But he believes it the best way for true democracy to be allowed to flourish.

"I think what you'll have is a Parliament that reflects Canadian values -- not what some government is trying to impose upon them," Martin said.

As for the inevitable complaints that his approach will be more time-consuming and unpredictable, Martin is unapologetic.

"Guess what? Democracy is messy. As Churchill said: Democracy may be the worst system in the world but there's none better."

One of the first issues that Martin plans to bring to a free vote in Parliament is the issue of same sex marriage.

“I believe that people are entitled to a national debate on this issue. That hasn’t happened yet and it has to happen in Parliament.”

“We will then have a free vote on whatever options we come up with. There may be more than one option. But it will certainly be a free vote.”